Category Manager, Indirect

Overview

The Category Manager, Indirect will directly oversee and manage the sourcing of select indirect product and service categories as an essential part of the NDCP Sourcing team.  The Category Manager will assist in the development and execution of the category strategy.  He or she will be responsible for researching products, generating supplier performance reports, negotiation, creating and analyzing bids, and making recommendations as to how to grow and improve the business through strategic sourcing.  The Category Manager will be responsible for fostering relationships with and providing consistent, quality follow-through with key internal stakeholders, including company executives, who rely heavily on the sourcing projects managed by this role for success in their own business unit. 

Responsibilities

• Interface with internal departments such as Purchasing, Operations, IT, Human Resources, Finance as well as Dunkin’ Brands and its franchisees to provide optimum cross-functional planning and execution of Sourcing functions.
• Collaborate with key business partners to set the strategic and tactical direction for sourcing efforts related to indirect spend category, ensuring integration with the business vision and strategy.
• Participate and conduct business planning sessions to fully understand business requirements and sourcing needs.
• Understand and monitor key spend trends, cost drivers, market factors, geographic considerations, and strategic importance of critical materials/services in order to implement appropriate sourcing strategies.
• Locate, analyze, develop and maintain a consolidated supplier base to meet current and future needs of all purchased materials and services.
• Utilize strategic sourcing tools to sustain continuous cost reduction programs for NDCP’s largest controllable expenditures and for the franchisee system.
• Manage and resolve product supply and service issues as needed.
• Prepare and analyze RFI, RFQ, and RFP as needed. Analyze responses and work with appropriate internal counterparts for best case award decision.
• Negotiate lowest possible landed cost based on product specifications, quality, service levels, and industry conditions.
• Establish and maintain strong supplier business relationships.
• All other duties as assigned.

Supervision Exercised

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities currently.  This is subject to change.

 

 

Qualifications

Bachelor’s in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, or other equivalent experience.

5+ years of experience in Supply Chain, Procurement, or Strategic Sourcing desired

Aptitude to understand complex requirements in multiple indirect categories such as Warehouse Material Handling Equipment; Warranty Programs; Point of Sale Systems; IT & Telecoms; Travel; Facilities; Professional Services, etc.

Specific experience in sourcing IT solutions is a plus

Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment following direction in an independent manner.

Ability to multi-task and manage several projects at a time and quickly switch direction as needed.

Strong analytical and research skills, high attention to detail, excellent written and verbal communications skills.

Ability to build productive customer relationships; take responsibility for customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Ability to communicate in a clear and concise manner. Uses appropriate grammar, pronunciation and tone to enhance understanding.

Ability to seek out and accept feedback, is a proactive learner, takes on tough assignments to improve skills, keeps knowledge and skills up-to-date, turns mistakes into learning opportunities.

Understands the importance of team and individual deadlines and responsibilities, listens to others and values opinions, helps team leader to meet goals, welcomes newcomers and promotes a team atmosphere.

Benefits: We offer competitive compensation packages and excellent benefits. Our comprehensive offerings include: 

 

• A variety of affordable Medical, Dental and Vision coverage 

• Flexible Spending Accounts 

• Company-paid Group Life, AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability coverage 

• Voluntary Life and AD&D coverage 

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match 

• Employee Assistance Program 

• Paid time off for Vacation. Discretionary time, Sick time and Holidays 

• Education Discounts at Southern New Hampshire University, as well as access to online self-study materials through our internal Learning Management System 

• Fitness and Wellness Disco